1. n. Same as palai, a fern. 2. A Niʻihau name for niʻaniʻau and kupukupu. 3. Niʻihau name for gold fern, Pityrogramma calomelanos (syn. P. chrysophylla). (Neal 20.) While I did say that palaʻā is one of my favorite ferns, … Continue reading →

1. n. The lace fern (Sphenomeris chinensis syn. chusana), a common wild fern in Hawaiʻi; also known in other parts of Polynesia and in Asia. Long, slender stems support smooth, ovate, pointed fronds, about 30 cm long, which are subdivided … Continue reading →

No one who takes care of his possessions has ever found them eaten by rats. When one takes care of his goods he will not suffer losses. This is an ʻōlelo noʻeau (wise saying) that I first taught my students … Continue reading →

To study. Hoʻopaʻa means to “make firm” or “make fast” (recognize that paʻa word in there meaning solid or hard? Same one used in kūkae paʻa – constipation). Haʻawina is the Hawaiian word for lessons, assignment, or task. So when … Continue reading →